Manager – Partner Engagement & Ecosystem Growth (Gandhinagar)

ContractKen Inc.; Gandhinagar; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

ContractKen Inc. is seeking a driven professional to lead partner engagement and ecosystem growth for the Centre of Excellence in Gandhinagar, India. The role focuses on acquiring new partners and deepening existing relationships. A successful candidate should have a minimum of 10 years in B2B partnerships or business development, preferably with an MBA or PG in a relevant field. Responsibilities include driving outreach, tracking partner outcomes, and coordinating with internal teams for quality partner engagement.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in B2B partnerships, alliances, business development, or account management.
• Proven track record of building and scaling multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Experience drafting MoUs, partnership agreements, and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Identify, engage, and onboard new industry partners.
• Own targets for partner acquisition and engagement KPIs.
• Drive outreach through events and direct connects to build a strong pipeline.
• Lead discussions with industry leaders and represent the CoE at forums.

Skills

B2B partnerships

Business development

Account management

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Education

MBA / PG in Business, Technology, or related field

Job description

The Centre of Excellence (CoE) for AI is dedicated to building a robust innovation ecosystem in India to solve industry challenges by collaborating with enterprises, government departments, PSUs, premier institutes, and start-ups. We seek a driven, relationship-first professional to lead partner engagement and ecosystem growth for the CoE. You will be the face of the CoE to industry-acquiring new partners, deepening existing relationships, and delivering outcomes that make partners stay, grow, and advocate.

Identify, engage, and onboard new Industry partners i.e. Enterprises and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to expand the CoE ecosystem footprint

Own targets for partner acquisition, renewals, and engagement KPIs

Drive outreach through events, roadshows, and direct connects to build a strong pipeline

Lead discussions and negotiations with CXOs, CEOs, and industry leaders

Represent the CoE at forums, summits, and trade events to generate partnerships and visibility

Partner Relationship Management & Growth

Own relationships with strategic partners across onboarding, engagement, renewal, and expansion

Draft and customise MoUs, proposals, and collaboration decks aligned to partner priorities

Run structured engagement reviews and joint initiatives with partners

Identify opportunities for new programs, pilots, sponsorships, and collaborations

Track partner satisfaction and proactively address risks to improve retention

Reporting & Internal Collaboration

Track partner outcomes, KPIs, and revenue opportunities; prepare impact reports for leadership

Maintain accurate partner data including pipeline, renewals, and engagement history

Coordinate with internal teams for timely execution and quality partner outcomes

Share market feedback and ecosystem insights to strengthen CoE offerings and strategy

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

10 years of experience in B2B partnerships, alliances, business development, or account management within technology, consulting, or innovation ecosystems

MBA / PG in Business, Technology, or related field

Proven track record of building and scaling multi-stakeholder relationships

Experience drafting MoUs, partnership agreements, and proposals

Exposure to AI, data, digital transformation, or technology-led engagements (commercial and/or delivery side)

Strong network within industry bodies, chambers, enterprises, or startup ecosystems preferred